Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spinach
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of hearty white bean soup on a chilly day. This Tuscan-inspired version, with its fragrant blend of herbs and vibrant spinach, has become a fan-favorite for its soothing comfort and satisfying nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious make-ahead option, this Tuscan white bean soup with spinach checks all the boxes. Its simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation make it an accessible and versatile recipe that the whole family will love.
ā¤ļø Why You’ll Love This Recipe ā
What sets this Tuscan white bean soup apart is its perfect balance of texture and flavor. The creamy, velvety broth is punctuated by the satisfying bite of the beans and the fresh, vibrant greens. This combination creates a wonderfully comforting yet nourishing meal that will warm you from the inside out.
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly accessible. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or freezer, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. And with the ability to easily adapt it to various dietary needs, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Finally, the make-ahead versatility of this Tuscan white bean soup is a game-changer. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it throughout the week, or even freeze individual portions for a quick and satisfying meal on demand.
š What You Need to Prepare Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spinach ā
ā¢ 1 onion, diced
ā¢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
ā¢ 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
ā¢ 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
ā¢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
ā¢ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
ā¢ 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
ā¢ 1 (10 oz) package fresh spinach, roughly chopped
ā¢ Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Tuscan white bean soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy white beans, fragrant herbs, and nutritious spinach creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made bean-based soup recipes perennially popular.
š How to Make Tuscan White Bean Soup with Spinach Step-by-Step ā
ā¢ Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sautĆ© for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
ā¢ Step 3: Add the drained and rinsed white beans, vegetable or chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
ā¢ Step 4: Stir in the chopped spinach and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and tender.
ā¢ Step 5: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
ā±ļø Timing Overview
ā¢ Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
ā¢ Total time: 30-35 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian bean soups which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Tuscan white bean soup with spinach saves you 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
š©š»āāļø Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
ā¢ Protein: 16g
ā¢ Carbohydrates: 42g
ā¢ Fat: 10g
ā¢ Fiber: 10g
ā¢ Sodium: 590mg
These Tuscan white bean soups provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 40% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
š Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
ā¢ Lower-carb version: Reduce the amount of white beans by half and increase the spinach content, or use a combination of white beans and cauliflower florets.
ā¢ Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as unsweetened almond or oat milk, to create a creamy base.
ā¢ Added protein: Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled tofu for an extra protein boost.
ā¢ Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini along with the spinach for additional nutrient density.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Tuscan white bean soup.
š½ļø Serving Suggestions
ā¢ Pair with a crisp white wine or a hearty red for a sophisticated dinner.
ā¢ Complement the soup with a fresh green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables.
ā¢ For a cozy lunch, serve the Tuscan white bean soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a handful of crackers.
ā¢ Create an Italian-inspired platter with the soup, some sliced prosciutto, olives, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
ā Common Mistakes to Avoid
ā¢ Forgetting to season: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavor of the soup.
ā¢ Adding the spinach too early: Wait until the end to stir in the spinach, as it only needs a few minutes to wilt and become tender.
ā¢ Using low-quality broth: Opt for a high-quality, low-sodium broth to ensure the best possible flavor.
ā¢ Not adjusting heat: Monitor the soup’s temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.
š§ Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Tuscan white bean soups retain their quality remarkably well:
ā¢ Freezing: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
ā¢ Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and then gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
ā FAQs
Can I make this Tuscan white bean soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare the entire recipe in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I substitute the white beans with another type of bean?
Yes, you can certainly use other types of beans in this recipe. Cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas would all work well and provide a similar creamy texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different bean varieties may require slightly different simmering durations.
Is this Tuscan white bean soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, be sure to check the labels on your broth and any other packaged items to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes are entirely optional and only add a subtle hint of heat. If you prefer a milder soup, simply leave them out. The Tuscan white bean soup will still be delicious without the added spice.
Can I add any other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This soup is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Tuscan white bean soups with spinach represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, they’re sure to impress with their creamy texture and bold, savory notes.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Tuscan-inspired soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques ā just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen.
